Strictly feud erupts as stars ‘frustrated’ they have to compete against ‘pro dancer’ Layton Williams
THE stars of Strictly Come Dancing are said to be ‘frustrated’ about competing against Layton Williams, because of his dance background.
The West End star, 29, has scored a series of high marks throughout the series thanks to his impressive routines with Layton Williams.
But according to reports, Layton is starting to rub the other celebs up the wrong way.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Of course there have always been dancers of different standards on Strictly, that’s part of the show’s greatness.
“But this is ridiculous, he is as good or even better than his professional partner. There is such an uneven playing field here that it is impossible for any of the other contestants to have a chance of winning, even if the viewers do enjoy watching a celebrity‘s journey.
“While there might not be a rule that professional dancers can’t take part, it absolutely goes against the spirit of the show.”
They added: “Look at someone like Krishnan Guru-Murthy, he has built up a huge fan base and is wonderful to watch, and Angela Rippon. But they are blown out of the water each week by someone who is a professional dancer.”
Former star James Jordan also thinks Strictly has “gone too far” by having professional dancers on the show.
He told HELLO!: “He is a fully trained, professional dancer. When they came out, you had essentially two professional dancers next to each other.
“Do I feel Strictly are going too far by bringing on professionally trained l dancers? Yes.”
Layton studied street dance and drama at Carol Godby’s Theatre workshop in Bury.
He has also studied ballet at Centre Pointe, Manchester.
Layton was then awarded a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone, London and stayed there until 2008.
He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury, and then attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Other recent stage credits include Rent, Hairspray The Musical and The Car Man.